Jackson's "surprise" attack on the Federal right on May 2, 1863 -- 163 years ago today -- was anything but a surprise. Hooker's army knew all about it. Jackson's troops were clearly visible off in the distance. Their lines stretched for 10 miles -- a gray serpent snaking through the woods. Hooker sent a message to Howard: "We have good reason to suppose that the enemy is advancing to our right," he warned. "Please advance your pickets for purposes of observation as far as may be safe, in order to obtain timely information of their approach."
Howard did nothing.
His soldiers remained completely unsuspecting. Their weapons were stacked, supper was being cooked, men played cards or rested. Then Jackson's men, screaming at the top of their lungs, burst out of the woods and scampered through the Union lines. The scene was captured in the movie Gods and Generals.
Information is useless without action.
"I'm not making excuses, Lord, but I don't think I can lose weight. Maybe if I had more time, I would probably get to the gym. And then there's the matter of cost. The gym isn't exactly cheap, you know. Not to mention that I'm too overweight for exercising to do much good at this point. No offense, Lord, but I just don't think I can prioritize taking care of the temple. Maybe things will be different next week. Or next year. Thank you for understanding."
My friend, what's holding you back from acting on what you know needs to be done? Perhaps it's a wrong relationship, or a diehard sin, a nagging worry, some mountain in your life -- the impossible situation facing you -- that needs to be moved. Listen to the words of Jeremiah (Jer. 32:17): "O Sovereign Lord! You made the heavens and earth by your strong hand and powerful arm. Nothing is too hard for you." That mountain in your life is an opportunity disguised as an impossible situation. No, there's no chance you can budge it in your own strength. But there's every chance in the world if you trust God to do it through you.
P.S. When I publish blog posts like this one, I'm talking to myself more than to anyone else. As we age, we all face enormous challenges, including health issues, financial insecurity, and ageism. Conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease are common, with over 70% of individuals aged 65 and older having at least one of these conditions. These are often exacerbated by mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. Addressing these challenges is never easy. But they must be faced.
James wrote of those who professed to believe in Christ but whose "faith" was nothing more than mental assent. In the "fight of faith," the odds often seem staggering. You face challenges that blitz your belief. I know I do. Yet the Bible promises the joy that comes from knowing that the difficulties of life we face as we age help us grow spiritually. In short, problems can produce positive results.
Faith isn't easy. When Christ promised that faith could move mountains, he didn't mean it was as simple as "Abracadabra." He meant that faith that moves mountains always carries a pick.